Thornbury’s Getting A Cinema In An Old 1920s Motor Garage

By James Shackell - 09 Feb 2018

Man, have we ever written a more northside headline than that? Well, it’s true, guys. The news just broke this week that Thornbury Picture House will be opening in March.

What is Thornbury Picture House? It’s a new boutique cinema and bar that’s opening inside an old 1920 motor garage. It’s the latest project from independent cinema guru Gus Berger (the guy responsible for the 2013/14 George Revival Cinema in St Kilda—remember that one?)

Anyway, this one promises to be even more ambitious. We’re talking 57 seats, a big 6m screen, state-of-the-art Krix 5.1 sound system and loads of aesthetic touches scattered around the place. Stuff like old film canisters, classic Cuban film posters, 8mm and 35mm film cameras, set-lights and 16mm projectors.

The program is obviously a bit hush hush at the moment, but Gus says there’ll be a good mix of well-known faves, docos, late night cult films, kids’ classics and some more niche, local independent stuff.

The bar is being designed by Julian Beattie of Makestuff (AKA the brains behind Saving Grace, Uncle Joe’s Bar, Cure Bar). Expect the usual summery smash of G&Ts, craft beers and locally sourced wine. You’ll also be able to nibble on shared plates of calamari and antipasto from nearby Umberto Espresso Bar.

Watch this space. We’ll be covering the opening in more detail come March.

The Details

What: Thornbury Picture House
Where: 802 High St Thornbury
When: Bookings will be available from early March
For more info, click here.